What is a Virtual Desktop?

When you want to make the most of your resources, create a robust business continuity plan, and promote mobility within your organization, virtual desktops are often touted as an ideal solution. However, while the concept has been around for a significant amount of time, many who work outside of the IT space aren’t entirely sure what virtual desktops are or how they actually provide benefits to a company.

To help you see the value in virtual desktops, here’s what you need to know about this amazing technology.

What is a Virtual Desktop?

If your employees use company computers during their workday, they have a desktop environment. It encompasses the graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the user to interact with the operating system, software applications, and files.

In a traditional setup, the desktop environment resides on one physical computer, regardless of whether it is a desktop and laptop. Outside of that one computer, that specific user’s environment is largely inaccessible. So, if that computer fails, they can’t access their desktop environment.

With a virtual desktop, the desktop environment is stored on a server and accessed through a specific application or compatible web browser over the internet. Once an employee logs into the virtual desktop system, they can view and interact with their desktop environment. All of their programs, folders, and even their wallpaper are available through the remote server.

The Benefits of Virtual Desktops

On the surface, it may seem that virtual desktops aren’t that different from traditional desktop environments and, to a degree, that’s true. After all, the functionality from the end-user standpoint is the same. However, in the background, things are very different.

While a traditional desktop environment exists only on one computer, which can lead to accessibility issues should the device fail, a virtual desktop is available through any device at any time. A user can connect to their unique desktop environment on any computer, any laptop, any tablet, and even on a smartphone, as long as there is a suitable internet connection, all by simply logging into the service.

Additionally, when you partner with a reputable service provider, each and every desktop is backed up onto secondary servers. Should the primary server encounter issues, a secondary server tasks over, ensuring the desktop environment is always accessible.

This allows you to create a plan that facilitates business continuity and not just disaster recovery. You will never experience a lack of access whether a worker’s computer fails or an event takes a server offline.

Further, you can arrange for standby virtual desktops. These are additional desktop environments that are ready to deploy at a moments notice but don’t require you to maintain extra computers on site to support them. No more storing piles of laptops in a storage closet just to make sure that you are ready for hot swaps or scaling up your operations with additional employees. Instead, you don’t have to worry about obtaining a device until it is actually required.

When you pair virtual desktops with a cloud computing environment to create a Virtual Workspace-as-a-Service solution, you can rest assured that your applications, data, and files are always accessible, no matter which device your employee chooses to use. Plus, everything is securely stored on remote servers, preserving your critical information even if a computer fails.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of virtual desktops or are interested in working with a leading provider, the team at TetherView wants to hear from you. Contact us to discuss your technology needs with one of our skilled staff members today and see how desktop virtualization can make your business continuity goals a reality.